August 5, 2024

Over 2,500 cattle die in Misrata, Libya due to lumpy skin disease

Salem Al-Badri, Director of the Animal Health Office in Misrata, Libya, has confirmed that more than 2,500 cattle have died in the city since September of last year due to the outbreak of lumpy skin disease, The Libya Observer reported.

Al-Badri has raised concerns over the lack of response from the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Health in Tripoli, capital of Libya, which has yet to send vaccinations despite repeated requests. He appealed to the Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity for urgent intervention to address the crisis.

The emergence and rapid spread of the disease have been attributed to a ten-year absence of vaccinations and the illegal entry of cows from Sudan. Al-Badri explained that these factors have contributed significantly to the outbreak.

The epidemic has severely impacted milk production in Misrata, with output dropping from 70,000 litres per day to less than 20,000 litres. This decrease in milk production is expected to have an economic impact on the municipality, which relies on large-scale projects dependent on milk.

Al-Badri warned that if the spread of the disease is not controlled, the situation could worsen during the winter months, as the disease tends to spread more rapidly in low temperatures.

-      The Libya Observer